The best movie stunts of 2022 from Top Gun: Maverick, RRR, and more

I love action movies, and 2022 was one of the best years we’ve had in the genre in recent memory. Although the Oscars often award action films and their incredible craft and dedication to them, they don’t give any recognition to stunt performers. This is why the SAG Awards are smaller.

Vulture has stepped in to help fill this void with the first edition of its Stunt Awards. It celebrates the very best action films (and action in movie) last year. It’s a very fun project, and one I was honored to be a part of. I can honestly say I’ve never had a tougher time filling out a ballot. It’s a credit to the people who organized this project, the other voters they brought in, and the sheer excellence on display in 2022 action cinema.

This is the ballot that I submitted to the project. It also includes the notes and annotations I added with my ballot. For the full list of the winners as well commentary by the judges, be sure to read the entire thing.

The Opening: Athena is the best stunt

Each of the nominees was incredibly talented, however AthenaMy vote goes to the coordination required for all moving parts to work together in perfect harmony. A stunner.

Jackass Forever, Knoxville vs. Bull: Best stunt in a non-action film

Absolute madness.

Best Fight: Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday (Scott Adkins vs. Andy Long)

The best fight in a movie full of great ones, and a terrific example of showcasing both fighters’ incredible talents.

Best Shootout: Vikram (Vikram’s Giant Gun)

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Each bullet hits you with a powerful impact.

The Best Vehicular Stunts: Lost Bullet 2, (The Freeway Chase).

Nobody does car chases like David Julienne. Unmatched is the Lost Bullet series.

Maverick (Training Montage), Best Aerial Stomp:

It was a simple decision for me.

The Best Practical Explosion is Lost Bullet 2. (The Electrified-Car Explosion)

One of those moments that makes you audibly go, “HELL YEAH!!!”

Top Gun is the Best Action Film of All Time: Maverick

While there were many action films I enjoyed more than 2022’s, nothing compares to the passion that was put into aerial stunts. Maverick. I think either is my favourite action movie. RRR, AmbulanceOr AthenaHowever, we were asked to put the work of stunting first in our vote.

Kevin LaRosa II is the overall winner in stunts

LaRosa II, the pilot camera and coordinator for the aerial unit was LaRosa II. Maverick: Top Gun, It was amazing how many aerial scenes I saw in the movie.